Ross Fox became victorious in the first of four Winter Grand Slam handicap singles, on Sunday as players compete to earn ranking points and qualify for the ATP finals in March. The top 8 point scorers then go head to head in a knockout to see who can Win the Title, trophy and £60 prizemoney. Watch how the tournament unfolded in the video link below

In the final chapter in the road to ATP FINALS at Walsall Tennis club on March 1st, Richards added to previous titles Australian and French Opens. Yet this time it was not Darrean taking home the US Open, it was Richards senior; Michael who defeated Luke Gwalchmai in a final littered with net cords.

On February 8th in glorious sunshine 10 players battled it out in the US Open to secure and jostle for end ranking positions for the big £60 knockout finals in March. We had another first, a player withdrawing with injury in the group stages, to the joy of the rest of the field looking for bigger points resulting in progressing to the elimination stages. Wimbledon champ Grayson was the unlucky one pulling his groin, yet knowing his qualification was safe, as others realised only a top four finish would be enough. We had yet another debutant in Ross Fox knowing only a final appearance would see him through to the ATP finals.

Here’s how the finishing 9 man handicap round robin panned out, including the handicaps they played off in the race to 7 points, when both players had minus starts the scores were brought closer to zero, and likewise when both players had plus handicaps.

ROSS FOX 0 WON 4/8 46 POINTS 5TH as more points than Anthony but less than Dan

DAN PLATT 0 WON 4/8 49 POINTS 4TH on more points than Ross and Ant

DARREAN RICHARDS -1 WON 2/8 44 POINTS 7TH on more points than Simon and James

SIMON CROOK +2 WON 2/8 40 POINTS 8TH on less points than Darrean but more than James

MICHAEL RICHARDS 0 WON 7/8 53 POINTS 1ST

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 6/8 53 POINTS 2ND

LUKE GWALCHMAI +1 WON 5/8 48 POINTS 3RD

ANTHONY BOLAND -1 WON 4/8 45 POINTS 6TH on less points than Dan and Ross

JAMES HODGES -3 WON 2/8 37 POINTS 9TH as less points than Darrean and Simon

An interesting group stage seeing father Michael in fine form losing just one, and 2 time grand slam champion son Darrean scraping home with just two wins from eight in 7th place. Everyone winning at least two games but James suffered and was eliminated by least points as he found his -3 handicap just too much on the day. Many knew they had qualified for ATP finals but today’s main aim was still to win the US Open, although others knew they had to goo deep today to make it.

To the Quarter finals where handicaps are retained and now become best of 3 tie break matches.

Just Ross upsetting the top 4 in a 3 set win over Dan, however Dan had done enough to make the ATP finals, to join already qualified Darrean, Jack, Tim, Grayson, Michael and Luke. With one spot remaining Ross must get to the final to stop the absent (through man flu) Rob Keeling from also qualifying. At this stage, for this year it’s all over for Simon and Anthony.

Onto the important Semi’s then where ranking points will still prove crucial for those wanting an ATP quarter final easier draw (if such a thing exists).

So we will have a new winner and our 10th different Grand slam winner in just 12 Opens, Michael edged out Ross to qualify Rob into March’s Finals, and Luke squeezed past veteran Tim with two deciding point winning sets. It’s all about the US Open winner now as the rest pull up a chair for the floodlit final.

FINAL

1ST MICHAEL v 3RD LUKE…. MICHAEL WINS 7-5 4-7 7-2 Michael makes it 3 out of 4 slams for the Richards happy household, Luke Gwalch-mai think what might of been in the deciding set if not for the ridiculous two net cord winners from Michael, as he is yet again the bridesmaid, but all will be forgotten if Luke can capture the big prize on March 1st.

All competitors had a great time in what was another high quality Grand Slam, the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

So let’s find out what today’s earned points do the final leader board and who will be the 8 competitors on March 1ST for ATP TITLE, TROPHY and £60 PRIZE?

……….HANDICAP/US OPEN/ EVENTS/ TOTAL/ POS CHANGE

1ST D RICHARDS -1 3 4 48 =

2ND T BOLAND -1 10 4 33 =

3RD M RICHARDS 0 16 4 28 +2

4TH L GWALCHMAI +1 13 2 23 +3

4TH J EVANS -1 – 2 23 -2

6TH G MARLOW +1 1 3 21 -2

7TH D PLATT 0 5 3 13 +2

8TH R KEELING 0 – 2 11 -2

9TH R ROBINSON +2 - 1 10 -2

10TH R THAWAIT -2 – 1 7 =

10TH R FOX 0 7 1 7 NEW

12TH J HODGES – 3 1 2 6 -1

13TH A BOLAND -1 4 2 6 +1

4 PLAYERS ON 3 POINTS OR LESS.

So Darrean tops the group with 2 titles and runner up and highest ever ranking points total. Steady Tim takes 2nd seed. 28 points after today’s win takes Michael from 5th to 3rd while runner up Luke draws level with Jack on 23 points to share 4th place and will face each other in the quarters. Injury hit Wimbledon champ drops to 6th, as Dan rises from 9th to 7th with Rob fortunate to cling onto last 8 spot.

So here is the knockout draw for March 1st to be played best of 7 sets for Quarters and Semi’s. Final will be best of 9 sets. Entry is £6

Q1 1ST D RICHARDS V 8TH R KEELING

Q2 4TH L GWALCHMAI V 4TH J EVANS

Q3 3RD M RICHARDS V 6TH G MARLOW

Q4 2ND T BOLAND V 7TH D PLATT

SEMI 1 Q1 V Q2

SEMI 2 Q3 V Q4

THEN FINAL, No replacements will be given for non attendees, as what would be the point of qualifying when we all know in a handicap positions 9 or 10 could easily go on to win that knockout. If your quarter final opponent isn’t available at 2pm on March 1st then you advance to the Semi’s.

What a fantastic Grand slam season, thanks to all those that played and best of luck to those 8 qualifiers on March 1ST, could those competitors please confirm your place asap.

New Wimbledon champ was as happy as Larry on January 11th as Grayson Marlow came out on top in a field of ten singles competitors to claim his first ever Handicap Grand Slam title under the lights at Walsall Tennis Club. More importantly he proved new starlet Darrean Richards could be beaten in a final and stopped his hopes of THE GRAND SLAM after Richards previously won both the Australian and French Opens, but another final sees him extend his massive rankings lead and guaranteed him the Number 1 seed status in March’s ATP FINALS, with the US OPEN still to play.

Another fantastic tennis afternoon was played out Sunday 11th January in a rare competitive singles tournament ‘Wimbledon’ in the Third Open, of the Third ever Grand slam of Handicap singles Tennis at Walsall Tennis Club. Competitors are invited to play in 4 Grand Slam events fighting for ranking points to be tallied up at the end to find the top 8 totals. Those 8 will then go on to compete for £60 cash prize and Grand slam champion title at the ATP finals in March.

This time 10 players contested the grass court slam including 2 new players who didn’t compete in the Australian or French Opens meaning 16 players are currently vying for the 8 qualifying spots. Each player benefiting or being hampered by a handicap (according to their ability/experience) in each of the 8 round robin tie breaks they played. Regular rules were back where top 8 qualified for Quarter Finals! Should players lose at the same stage in knockouts then group position determines ranking points earned. Here’s what happened in the group stage and the handicaps they played off in the race to 7 points. When BOTH players had plus OR minus handicaps, starting scores were adapted so at least one player started on zero.

MICHAEL RICHARDS 0 WON 4/9 51 POINTS 7TH as less points than Grayson but more than Clayton

DARREAN RICHARDS -1 WON 5/9 53 POINTS 4TH as more points than Rob

Handicaps proved really good with only 2 wins separating the 4th to 9th. Rusty Rob ‘the problem’ Souster had tough handicap and underperformed, Simon was exceptionally unlucky not to qualify with 51 points and 3 great wins. Coach Clayton this time put in a determined effort and sneaked into the quarters off a -7 handicap, Jack Evans was the form man and Tim recovered from a disappointing French to take 2nd place, Dan ‘The Server’ Platt bombed his way to 3rd and man of the moment Darrean sneaked 4th. Yet again no man came through undefeated and every man won at least one game in the unpredictable format, how would the top four fair in the knockout stage?

These results meant that the top 8 qualified for the knockout stages and the chance to win the 16 points on offer, however these positions above would determine where losing quarter and semi finalists would finish in relation to fellow losers. Knockout matches would be same handicaps and best of 3 sets, first to 7 point tie breaks with handicaps being used in every set.

All four won in straight sets in but all close. Just Dan got upset as the other big 3 proceeded to the high scoring semi’s. The last 4 continued in their quest for the big points, as the losing quarter finalists bag some crucial ranking points, and settle down to watch the closing stages of this Wimbledon

In terms of the group standings, two upsets here as it seems Jack and Tim let 1 set leads slip, with Jack in particular close in all sets, both still score heavily in the rankings table and will feature in the ATP finals. Grayson and Darrean head for the final afer 6th and 4th place group finishes proving how tough these tournaments are to concentrate all afternoon and win. Darrean is clear favourite and now most successful player in the 3rd year of this epic competition, after 3 finals in 3 attempts and 2 wins so far, but Grayson was the crowds favorite could he pull off an ‘Istanbul’ like shock?

FINAL

4TH DARREAN v 6TH GRAYSON GRAYSON WINS 3-7 7-6 7-6 Grayson does it with Darrean having at least 2 championship points, what a tight, tight final and a real crowd pleaser. Darrean is finally beaten, but is bookies favourite for the ATP finals as top seed, Grayson wins his 1st Grand Slam in his 1st final appearance, huge well done and great battling from a 6th place finish. He now leaps to 20 points and is current 4th seed for finals.

FRENCH OPEN RUNNER UP…. DARREAN RICHARDS gains 13 Ranking Points and 1/2 Price Entry into US OPEN AND……

All competitors had a great time and the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

Remember, you can still qualify for the ATP finals even if you didn’t enter the 1st 3 tournaments, however a win will be needed with a runner up giving a strong chance of qualification.

US OPEN 1PM Sunday February 8th

ATP FINALS top 8 only Sunday March 1st 2PM

Already entered for US OPEN are Darrean and Michael Richards, Tim, Dan and James so a maximum of 7 places remaining, be quick to enter Sunday’s Grand slam Open.

So here is the current ATP RANKINGS and in brackets (tournaments played)

1ST DARREAN RICHARDS 45 POINTS (3)

2ND TIM BOLAND 23 POINTS (3)

2ND JACK EVANS 23 POINTS (2)

4TH GRAYSON MARLOW 20 POINTS (2)

5TH MICHAEL RICHARDS 12 POINTS (3)

6TH ROB KEELING 11 POINTS (2)

7TH LUKE GWALCHMAI 10 POINTS (1)

7TH RHIANNION ROBINSON 10 POINTS (1)

—————————————————

9TH DAN PLATT 9 POINTS (2)

10TH ROHAN THAWAIT 7 POINTS (1)

11TH JAMES HODGES 5 POINTS (1)

12TH CLAYTON EDGE 4 POINTS (2)

13TH DAVID KHAYAT 2 POINTS (1)

14TH ANTHONY BOLAND 2 POINTS (1)

15TH SIMON CROOK 1 POINT (1)

16TH ROB SOUSTER 1 POINT (1)

So well done Grayson, 7 days to go for US OPEN on FEBRUARY 8TH 1PM….. ENTER NOW!!! Remember ATP finals are knockout so the higher your ranking the easier your draw (theoretically haha).

Darrean Richards made Handicap Grand Slam history on Sunday 7th December as he won the French Open and became the first man in 10 slams to win consecutive tournaments, after winning the initial Australian Open weeks before. Darrean now commands a massive lead in the rankings table for the ATP finals in March. However will be hoping to add Wimbledon (this Sunday) and the US Open to his collection.

A fantastic afternoons tennis was had on Sunday 7th December in a rare competitive singles tournament in the Second Open, of the Third ever Grand slam of Handicap singles Tennis at Walsall Tennis Club. Competitors are invited to play in 4 Grand Slam events fighting for ranking points to be tallied up at the end to find the top 8 totals. Those 8 will then go on to compete for £60 cash prize and Grand slam champion title at the ATP finals in March.

Nine competitors entered and fought out this years French Open including 6 players who didn’t compete in the Australian Open meaning the race for qualifying points is now on. Each player benefiting or being hampered by a handicap (according to their ability/experience) in each of the 8 round robin tie breaks they played. Regular rules were back where top 8 qualified for Quarter Finals! Should players lose at the same stage in knockouts then group position determines ranking points earned. Here’s what happened in the group stage and the handicaps they played off in the race to 7 points. When BOTH players had plus OR minus handicaps, starting scores were adapted so at least one player started on zero.

DARREAN RICHARDS -1 WON 5/8 48 POINTS 4TH as less points than Jack

ANTHONY BOLAND -1 WON 1/8 31 POINTS 8TH as more points than Clayton

MICHAEL RICHARDS 0 WON 3/8 48 POINTS 6TH as more points than Tim

ROHAN THAWAIT -2 WON 7/8 61 POINTS 2ND as less points than Luke

JACK EVANS -1 WON 45/8 53 POINTS 3RD as more points than Darrean

CLAYTON EDGE -7 WON 1/8 25 POINTS 9TH as less points than Anthony

JAMES HODGES -3 WON 4/8 40 POINTS 5TH

LUKE GWALCHMAI +1 WON 7/8 62 POINTS 1ST as more points than Rohan

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 3/8 42 POINTS 7TH as less points than Michael

Handicaps proved ok with only 2 wins separating the middle 5 players. Luke and debutant 12 year old Rohan dominated the group, with Anthony struggling after a long lay off as did Clayton making up the numbers with a tough -7 handicap. James Hodges also made a strong start to his campaign and tournament veteran Tim failed to settle this time, yet again no man came through undefeated and every man won at least one game in the unpredictable format.

These results meant that the top 8 qualified for the knockout stages and the chance to win the 16 points on offer, however these positions above would determine where losing quarter and semi finalists would finish in relation to fellow losers. Knockout matches would be same handicaps and best of 3 sets, first to 7 point tie breaks with handicaps being used in every set.

Not often that ALL the top 4 make it through to the Semi’s especially all in straight sets, although Tim ran Rohan the closest in two very tight sets. The Top 4 continue in their quest for the big points, as the losing quarter finalists bag some crucial ranking points, and settle down to watch the closing stages of this French Open.

In terms of the group standings, two upsets here as it seems Luke and Rohan just missed out on the very biggest points, but still score heavily in the rankings table on their first slam of the campaign. Jack and Darrean head for the final, both have 1 grand slam title each and one will join Paul Maguire as two time winners.

FINAL

3RD JACK v 4TH DARREAN DARREAN WINS 4-7 7-5 7-6 Darrean takes his 2nd slam in only two attempts, as his head held much better than Jack’s in a great final, to wrap up a very high quality tournament in a floodlit finish.

All competitors had a great time and the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

Remember, you can still easily qualify for the ATP finals even if you didn’t enter the Australian Open OR French Opens.

WIMBLEDON 1PM Sunday January 11th

US OPEN 1PM Sunday February 8th

ATP FINALS top 8 only Sunday March 1st 1PM

Already entered for WIMBLEDON are Darrean and Michael Richards, and Tim, so a maximum of 9 places remaining, be quick to enter Next Sunday Grand slam Open.

So here is the current ATP RANKINGS and in brackets (tournaments played)

1ST DARREAN 32 POINTS (2)

2ND TIM BOLAND 16 POINTS (2)

3RD JACK EVANS 13 POINTS (1)

4TH LUKE GWALCHMAI 10 POINTS (1)

4TH RHIANNON ROBINSON 10 POINTS (1)

6TH MICHAEL RICHARDS 9 POINTS (2)

7TH ROHAN THAWAIT 7 POINTS (1)

7TH ROB KEELING 7 POINTS (1)

—————————————————

9TH JAMES HODGES 5 POINTS (1)

10TH GRAYSON MARLOW 4 POINTS (1)

11TH DANIEL PLATT 3 POINTS (1)

12TH ANTHONY BOLAND 2 POINTS (1)

12TH DAVID KHAYAT 2 POINTS (1)

14TH CLAYTON EDGE 1 POINT (1)

So well done Darrean, 7 days to go for WIMBLEDON on JANUARY 11TH 1PM….. ENTER NOW!!!

Tim Boland narrowly failed to become the first man to defend a Grand slam title in our 3rd campaign as he was downed by debut player Darrean Richards, who battled to a tight victory in Sunday’s Australian Open to lead the way in the ATP rankings table with 3 slams left this Winter.

A Fantastic afternoons tennis was had this past Sunday in a rare competitive singles tournament in the First Open, of the Third ever Grand slam of Handicap singles Tennis at Walsall Tennis Club. Competitors are invited to play in 4 Grand Slam events fighting for ranking points to be tallied up at the end to find the top 8 totals. They will then go on to compete for £60 cash prize and Grand slam champion title at the ATP finals in March.

Eight competitors entered and fought out this years Australian Open, each benefiting or being hampered by a handicap (according to their ability/experience) in each of the 7 round robin tie breaks they played. There was a slight rule twist this year where only the top 4 would advance to a straight knock out draw to fight for the big 16 ranking points, and the bottom four could only battle for a maximum of 5 ranking points! Here’s what happened in the group stage and the handicaps they played off in the race to 7 points. When BOTH players had plus OR minus handicaps, starting scores were adapted so at least one player started on zero.

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 5/7 42 POINTS 2ND

DAVID KHAYAT +2 WON 0/7 30 POINTS 8TH

DANIEL PLATT 0 WON 2/7 37 POINTS 7TH

RHIANNON ROBINSON +2 WON 4/7 43 POINTS 3RD as more points than Rob and Grayson

GRAYSON MARLOW +1 WON 4/7 39 POINTS 5TH as less points than Rhiannon and Rob

MICHAEL RICHARDS 0 WON 3/7 36 POINTS 6TH

ROB KEELING 0 WON 4/7 41 POINTS 4TH as less points than Rhi but more than Grayson

DARREAN RICHARDS -1 WON 6/7 46 POINTS 1ST

Handicaps proved very good with only 6 points seperating the middle 6 players. David came within 1 or 2 points of victory 3 times but may benefit from an extra point next time, we also saw very competitive debuts by 4 players including a late winning run that saw Rob pip Grayson by 2 points who inturn had a late losing run to gain that vital 4th spot. Darrean wins the group but is denied in last group game by his dad to wreck his unbeaten record. Former Aussie Open champs Tim and Rhiannon take 2nd and 3rd.

These results meant that the top 4 split from the bottom 4 in quest for maximium points available in the subsequent knock out semi finals, however these positions above would determine where losing semi finalists would finish in relation to fellow losers. Knockout matches would be same handicaps and best of 5 sets, first to 7 point tie breaks with handicaps being used in every set.

Two good semi’s here, but in a rare occurrence the top two in the group go on to contest the Final, as the other competitors watch on to see who will take the season’s first Grand Slam title.

FINAL

1ST DARREAN v 2ND TIM DARREAN WINS 4-7 7-6 7-6 4-7 7-5 What a final!!!! 5 sets and although Tim won 2 more points than his younger nemesis Darrean, it was the debutant who won the very biggest points including two deciders in set 2 and 3 to set up an impressive win over veteran and defending champ Tiger Tim. Well done both on a great tournament.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN RUNNER UP…. TIM BOLAND gains 13 Ranking Points and 1/2 Price Entry into the FRENCH OPEN AND……

2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN WINNER … DARREAN RICHARDS gains 16 Ranking Points and Free wildcard into the FRENCH OPEN.

All competitors had a great time and the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

Remember, you can still easily qualify for the ATP finals even if you didn’t enter the Australian Open.

FRENCH OPEN 1PM Sunday December 7th

WIMBLEDON 1PM Sunday January 11th

US OPEN 1PM Sunday February 8th

ATP FINALS top 8 only Sunday March 1st 1PM

Already entered for FRENCH OPEN are Darrean and Michael Richards so a maximum of 10 places remaining, be quick to enter!!

So here is the current ATP RANKINGS

1ST DARREAN 16 POINTS

2ND TIM BOLAND 13 POINTS

3RD RHIANNON ROBINSON 10 POINTS

4TH ROB KEELING 7 POINTS

5TH MICHAEL RICHARDS 5 POINTS

6TH GRAYSON MARLOW 4 POINTS

7TH DANIEL PLATT 3 POINTS

8TH DAVID KHAYAT 2 POINTS

—————————————————

So well done Darrean, 13 days to go for FRENCH OPEN on DECEMBER 7TH 1PM….. ENTER NOW!!!

On March 2nd after 4 amazing handicap single Grand Slams, a brilliant 8 man knock out was played out for the ATP FINALS title and the £60 prize for the top 8 competitors who had gained enough ranking points to qualify. We had all kinds of weather, but the tennis was yet again amazing and the handicap system once again provided close encounters. Here is how it all went down last month.

QUARTER FINALS

PAUL MAGUIRE DALLA GHUMAN

1ST SEED V 8TH SEED

WIMBLEDON CHAMPION US OPEN SEMI FINALIST

-3 HANDICAP -7 HANDICAP

DALLA WINS 4-2 7-5 4-7 5-7 7-1 7-2 7-5

Top seed is toppled after leading 2 sets to 1 in 3 tight sets, before Dalla takes the next 3 in commanding fashion to advance to the semi’s, as Paul takes an early bath but gets to work on time. Dalla will be looking for another uniform win against Dudley or Luke.

LUKE GWALCHMAI DUDLEY WRIGHT

4TH SEED V 5TH SEED

FRENCH OPEN FINALIST WIMBLEDON FINALIST

+1 HANDICAP -3 HANDICAP

DUDLEY WINS 4-2 0-7 7-6 1-7 7-5 7-1 7-3

A topsy turby struggle saw Luke let a 2 sets to 1 lead slip as Dudley advances to semi finals recovering well to win 3 sets on the spin. Dalla awaits as both higher seeds fall in top half of the table.

TIM BOLAND CHRIS MAGUIRE

3RD SEED V 6TH SEED

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION SEMI FINALIST FRENCH

-1 HANDICAP +1 HANDICAP

TIM WINS 4-2 4-7 7-3 7-4 7-2 7-5

Chris was quick out the blocks but steady tiger Tim keeps the door firmly shut on the next 4 sets to be the first man into the Semi’s, leaving Chris to wonder if he can improve again next year on this terrific season. Tim awaits Jack or Ryan.

JACK EVANS RYAN BRAZIER

2ND SEED V 7TH SEED

US OPEN CHAMPION FRENCH OPEN CHAMPION

O HANDICAP -7 HANDICAP

RYAN WINS 4-1 7-5 7-3 4-7 7-4 7-5

Two champions meet early in the draw due to Ryan only playing 1 event, Jack hobbled on with a bruised and swollen foot but needed to be fully fit to really challenge Ryan, Jack rallied to to the 3rd set but missed out on two sets either side to crash out 4-1, amazing debut season and Ryan advances to meet another champion Tim.

SEMI FINALS

DALLA GHUMAN DUDLEY WRIGHT

8TH SEED V 5TH SEED

US OPEN SEMI FINALIST WIMBLEDON RUNNER UP

-7 HANDICAP -3 HANDICAP

DUDLEY WINS 4-2 7-1 2-7 5-7 7-4 7-3 7-5

Dalla bounced back from a first set thrashing to take a 2 sets to 1 lead, before Dudley countered well to reel off the final 3 sets to advance to the final and await the winner of Tim and Ryan, a very entertaining match this one.

TIM BOLAND RYAN BRAZIER

3RD SEED V 6TH SEED

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION FRENCH OPEN CHAMPION

-1 HANDICAP -7 HANDICAP

RYAN WINS 4-1 7-3 7-4 7-4 4-7 7-5

French Open champion and title favourite advances to the final with a concentrated victory against Tiger Tim, whose sublime volleying earned him the 4th set, before getting edged out in the 5th. Another top game and solid performance from Tim.

THE GRAND FINALE

DUDLEY WRIGHT RYAN BRAZIER

5TH SEED V 6TH SEED

WIMBLEDON RUNNER UP FRENCH OPEN CHAMPION

-3 HANDICAP -7 HANDICAP

RYAN WINS 4-0 7-2 7-2 7-6 7-3

In the Final, Ryan made certain of an even harder handicap next year with the only straight sets victory of the day as he comprehensively won four sets to zero with Dudley just having a sniff in the 3rd. Ryan adapted so well to an impossible handicap and played with controlled aggression until the handicap was overturned throughout all his games. Ryan takes the £60 cash prize, the Silver winner plate and the title of ATP FINALS GRAND SLAM HANDICAP SINGLES CHAMPION WINTER 2013/14 (catchy isn’t it?). Hard luck Dudley but improved greatly on last years performance and will bounce back.

So a big Thank you to all the 17 players who entered, well done to the finalist, all grand slams were so competitive and this tournament is here to stay and will return for the 3rd year in November. But after 431 tie breaks RYAN BRAZIER is the CHAMPION. See you in the winter. Have a great summer season.

In the final chapter in the road to ATP FINALS at Walsall Tennis club on March 2nd, Paul Maguire the reigning Wimbledon and defending US Open champ lost out to our 7th different Grand Slam champion in 8 events. On February 9th offering around 3 different micro climates, 9 players battled it out in the US Open to secure and jostle for end ranking positions for the big £60 knockout finals in March. We had another first, yours truly becoming the first man NOT to win a group game, to the joy of the rest of the field looking for bigger points from progressing to the elimination stages. For some only a top four finish would be enough, and for others a fourth quarter final defeat would lead to a agonisingly near miss on qualification for the big one. On a positive note we had one guy Jack in his temperamental issues for the day and let his racket and talent to the talking throughout.

Here’s how the 9 man handicap round robin panned out, including the handicaps they played off in the race to 7 points, when both players had minus starts the scores were brought closer to zero, and likewise when both players had plus handicaps.

CLAYTON EDGE -7 WON 0/8 9TH

DAVID KHAYAT +3 WON 4/8 4TH on more points than Tim and Paul

RHIANNON ROBINSON +2 WON 3/8 7TH on more points than Luke

LUKE GWALCHMAI +1 WON 3/8 8TH on less points than Rhiannon

JACK EVANS O WON 7/8 1ST

PAUL MAGUIRE -3 WON 4/8 6TH on less points than David and Tim

DALLA GHUMAN -7 WON 6/8 2ND

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 4/8 5TH on less points than David

GRAYSON MARLOW +1 WON 5/8 3RD

Very close group as Clayton gets eliminated, Jack was super consistent just dropping 1 point to top the group with cracking displays by Grayson and David in 3rd and 4th, Dalla gets a high finish and has to win quarter final to stand any chance of qualifying. Luke was on the beach already knowing his qualification for FINALS are sorted after two final appearances.

To the Quarter finals where handicaps are retained and now become best of 3 tie break matches.

Finally, Jack see’s off his bogey man, David pulls off an amazing scalp to defeat Australian champ Tim for his highest ever finish. Grayson gives Paul a terrific run but cannot advance to the semi’s in his first season and Dalla continues his charge by edging past our only female competitor Rhiannon who will be looking towards next years slams.

So while the rest are doing the maths, there is a Grand Slam to be won, can Jack sleigh the successful 2 time winning beanstalk, or can it be a delightful threesome of victories if Paul can avoid a giant killing?

FINAL

1ST JACK v 6TH PAUL…. JACK WINS 5-7 7-4 7-6 coming from behind to end a fantastic day by losing just 2 out of 14 sets, while Paul continues to be the man to beat as is reflected by him topping the rankings table, a great feat in itself but as Paul knows it’s still anybodies (well the top 8 anyway) come the finals, as he painfully found out last year.

All competitors had a great time in what was another high quality Grand Slam, the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

So let’s find out what today’s earned points do the final leader board and who will be the 8 competitors on March 2nd for ATP TITLE, TROPHY and £60 PRIZE?

………….HANDICAP US OPEN EVENTS TOTAL POS CHANGE

1ST P MAGUIRE -3 13 4 41 =

2ND J EVANS 0 16 4 31 +5

3RD T BOLAND -1 4 4 30 -1

4TH L GWALCHMAI +1 2 3 28 -1

5TH D WRIGHT -3 – 2 23 -1

6TH C MAGUIRE +1 - 3 19 -1

7TH R BRAZIER -7 - 1 16 -1

8TH D GHUMAN -7 10 2 14 +3

9TH G MARLOW +1 5 4 13 =

10TH D KHAYAT +3 7 3 10 +2

10TH A HULL -1 - 1 10 -2

12TH R ROBINSON +2 3 4 8 -2

3 PLAYERS ON 1 POINT.

So Paul tops the group with 1 semi, 1 runner up and winning Wimbledon. US open champ Jack is jumping from 7th to 2nd to become 2nd seed. Tim overtakes Luke into 3rd. 23 points from 2 events is enough for Dudley to rest in 5th, Chris holds on to 6th with great scores from 3 events. Ryan takes 7th with 1 win from 1 appearance and Dalla earns his spot with 10 points to pip the deperately unlucky Grayson into 8th by 1 point.

So here is the knockout draw for March the 2nd to be played best of 7 sets for Quarters and Semi’s. Final will be best of 9 sets. Entry is £5

Q1 1ST P MAGUIRE V 8TH D GHUMAN

Q2 4TH L GWALCHMAI V 5TH D WRIGHT

Q3 3RD T BOLAND V 6TH C MAGUIRE

Q4 2ND J EVANS V 7TH R BRAZIER

SEMI 1 Q1 V Q2

SEMI 2 Q3 V Q4

THEN FINAL, No replacements will given for non attendees, as what would be the point of qualifying when we all know in a handicap positions 9 or 10 could easily go on to win that knockout. If your quarter final opponent isn’t available at 2pm on March 2nd then you advance to the Semi’s.

What a fantastic Grand slam season, thanks to all those that played and best of luck to those 8 qualifiers on March 2nd, could those competitors please confirm your place asap.

Last Sunday January 12th, saw a little piece of history written in the seventh winter handicapped grand slam singles event. We eventually got our FIRST ever TWO time winner, albeit from an unlikely source, given the players’ early form and dismal points total. It was a very fresh afternoon as the third event of the season ‘Wimbledon’ took place to leave us with many eventualities for the final slam on Feb 9th to see who can clinch the 8 qualifying places and in which order for the ATP finals. Nine players took the courts with 1 débutante looking to make an impact on the rankings table.

Here is how the 9 players got on with their handicaps in the race to 7 points round robin, in a bid to make the quarter finals and take home big ranking points. Dudley returned looking to secure an ATP final place and Alex Hull came in to upset the apple cart, as Rhiannon, Paul, Dudley, Tim all hoped they could be the first multiple grand slam winner but more importantly grab the 16 ranking points. Once again everyone won at least 2 matches as the slams continue to remain so competitive.

RHIANNON ROBINSON +2 WON 2/8 36 POINTS 9TH as less points than Dave.

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 6/8 50 POINTS 3RD as less points than Dudley and Alex

CHRIS MAGUIRE +1 WON 4/8 47 POINTS 4TH as more points than Paul

PAUL MAGUIRE -3 WON 4/8 35 POINTS 5TH as less points than Chris

GRAYSON MARLOW +1 WON 3/8 45 POINTS 6TH as more points than Jack

JACK EVANS O WON 3/8 42 POINTS 7TH as less points than Grayson

DAVID KHAYAT +3 WON 2/8 40 POINTS 8TH as more points than Rhiannon

DUDLEY WRIGHT -2 WON 6/8 51 POINTS 2ND as less points than Alex

ALEX HULL -1 WON 6/8 53 POINTS 1ST as more points than Dudley

Great display from Alex to top the group with 6 wins, and earn him at least 5 points should he lose in quarter final. Paul should be thankful it goes on Wins before points as 35 was the lowest as he disastrously lost his first four games before responding well, and Rhi just got pipped by Dave for 8th by 3 points, while Chris delivers another consistent display of results in 4th. Onto the quarters where form means nothing in the best of 3 set format.

Paul suddenly playing faultless tennis and stops Alex’s impressive debut run, which already puts him into 8th spot on the leaderboard, where Tim’s 7 points leaves him in joint 2nd. So PAUL or DUDLEY will be that man, the first ever two time winner. Paul, last year’s US OPEN champion and Dudley last years FRENCH OPEN winner. Who’s our 2014 grass court champion going to be?

FINAL

5TH PAUL v 2ND DUDLEY…. PAUL WINS 7-2 3-7 7-4 Another cracking final to end a great event as the rest of the field sips hot chocolate as Paul believed in Miracles from not being able to hit a barn door with a bazooka to finding greatness to win WIMBLEDON in the deciding set, leaving Dudley to think of what might have been. Well played both.

All competitors had a great time in what was another high quality Grand Slam to date, the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

Remember, you can still qualify for the ATP finals even if you didn’t enter the 3 previous Opens, 16 points for the win at the US OPEN may just scrape you in if results go your way.

FEBRUARY 9TH US OPEN 1PM ENTER NOW

MARCH 2ND ATP FINALS 1PM, for top 8 only, no replacements.

Here’s what the Wimbledon results do to the leaderboard.

1ST PAUL MAGUIRE 28

2ND LUKE GWALCHMAI 26

2ND TIM BOLAND 26

4TH DUDLEY WRIGHT 23

5TH CHRIS MAGUIRE 19

6TH RYAN BRAZIER 16

7TH JACK EVANS 15

8TH ALEX HULL 10

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9TH GRAYSON MARLOW 8

10TH RHIANNON ROBINSON 5

11TH DALLA GHUMAN 4

12TH DAVID KHAYAT 3

13TH CRAIG EASTWOOD 1

13TH MICHAEL BOLAND 1

So some may opt out of US open, but remember 1st v 8th, 4th v 5th, 3rd v 6th, 2nd v 7th, so just be careful you don’t land your bogeyman by not playing, a top 4 finish from 11th upwards may do it, and a win certainly will, from 6th place down, playing is highly recommended if you want your shot at the £60 cash prize and title, over to you guys to do the maths. 1st – 16 2nd -13 3rd- 10 4th- 7 5th- 5 6th- 4 7th- 3 8th- 2 playing -1.

Paul takes top spot, Alex becomes a contender, Grayson needs a big US open, See you on the 9th Feb.

Where to start? What a Grand slam this one was, we had the 3 toughest handicaps to date for 3 of the 4 debutants in the 2nd Slam of the Winter series. We had an ultra competitive 10 round group stage, we had shocks galore, never seen before scenario’s, 4 out 7 knock-out matches go the distance and an unbelievable SIXTH different winner in SIX events.

A mild and dry 4 hours tennis feast was held this past Sunday in a rare competitive singles tournament in the second Open, of the Second ever Grand slam of Handicap singles Tennis at Walsall Tennis Club. Competitors are invited to play in 4 Grand Slam events, fighting for ranking points to be tallied up at the end to find the top 8 totals. They will then go on to compete for £60 cash prize and Grand slam champion title at the ATP finals in March.

After 74 handicap 1st to seven point sets were completed, we had a NEW ATP Ranking point’s Leader in Luke Gwalchmai, and a 3 way tie for the vital 8th qualifying place with the Wimbledon and US Opens to come. Rhiannon once again was the lone girl ranger but this time had 10 gents to trade blows with. Handicaps once again proved accurate with predictions almost impossible as everyone won at least 2 games and everyone losing at least 2 games, just 1 win separated 6 of the 11 competitors, which was insanely competitive. Once again top 8 would qualify for the knockout stages. Here are the competitors, the handicaps they played off and their results and group placings. When BOTH players had plus OR minus handicaps, starting scores were adapted so at least one player started on zero in the race to that magical 7 point target.

RHIANNON ROBINSON +2 WON 2/10 57 POINTS 10TH

LUKE GWALCHMAI +1 WON 5/10 51 POINTS 8TH as less points than Jack and Ryan

CHRIS MAGUIRE +1 WON 5/10 58 POINTS 5TH as more points than Jack and Ryan

JACK EVANS O WON 5/10 52 POINTS 7TH as lost to Ryan

GRAYSON MARLOW +1 WON 6/10 59 POINTS 4TH as less points than Tim

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 6/10 62 POINTS 3RD as more points than Grayson

CRAIG EASTWOOD -4 WON 3/10 40 POINTS 9TH

MICHAEL BOLAND +2 WON 2/10 49 POINTS 11TH

RYAN BRAZIER -7 WON 5/10 52 POINTS 6TH as beat Jack

PAUL MAGUIRE -3 WON 8/10 65 POINTS 1ST

DALLA GHUMAN -7 WON 7/10 56 POINTS 2ND

What a group, Ryan wins 1st 4, then loses focus on next 4 putting qualification into some doubt, Dalla had nightmare start losing heavily in first 2, before winning 7 out of next 8. Paul wins group with 8 wins, Grayson had a very slow start before a cracking 4th place finish, Chris 5th in a very solid campaign as Jack keeps impressing with unbelievable talent during sporadic periods of good temperament and Luke makes up the 8 qualifiers.

These results meant that the top 8 qualified for the knock out tournament, however these positions above would determine where losing quarter finalists and semi finalists would finish in relation to fellow losers. Knockout matches would be same handicaps and best of 3, first to 7 point tie breaks with handicaps being used in every set.

For the 1st time ever all 4 top seeds crash out, meaning Grayson only collects 2 points as pushed down to 8th as a result of being lowest ranked QF loser. Chris makes first ever semi with comfortable win, 8th beats 1st as Luke grinds out Paul in two close sets, Ryan comes back against Aussie champ Tim, whilst Jack hit blistering ground-strokes in the match of the day against Dalla, who’d fetched back a 7 point deficit to then go on to lose when it seemed all the hard work had been done at 2-2 in decider. All four winners guaranteed more points than their group finish.

Two more cracking 3 setters, superb days for Chris and Jack, Luke quietly advances as all eyes were on Ryan having to overturn a 7 point deficit and then a 1 set deficit. Could Luke go that 1 match further for a deserved slam victory after last month’s final agony against Tim?

FINAL

8TH LUKE v 6TH RYAN RYAN WINS 7-3 7-3 A crazy day ends with a 1 sided final, proving how unpredictable each match up can be and how playing styles can work against one player and then just not work against another. Great credit to Ryan winning off an incredibly hard -7 handicap yet proving it was the correct handicap and the best player is still capable of winning the tournament so long as they can hold it together and blank out the score pressure and play each point like they are match point down. Luke with 2 finals out of 2 is clear leader and maturing into a steady performer.

All competitors had a great time in what was the highest quality Grand Slam to date, the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

Remember, you can still easily qualify for the ATP finals even if you didn’t enter the Australian or French Open’s.

WIMBLEDON 1PM Sunday January 12th

US OPEN 1PM Sunday February 9th

ATP FINALS top 8 only Sunday March 2nd 1PM

Already entered for WIMBLEDON are Tim Boland and Alex Hull so a maximum of 10 places remaining, be quick to enter!!

So here are the current ATP RANKINGS

1ST LUKE GWALCHMAI 26 POINTS

2ND TIM BOLAND 19 POINTS

3RD RYAN BRAZIER 16 POINTS

4TH CHRIS MAGUIRE 14 POINTS

5TH JACK EVANS 12 POINTS

5TH PAUL MAGUIRE 12 POINTS

7TH DUDLEY WRIGHT 10 POINTS

8TH GRAYSON MARLOW 4 POINTS

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8TH DALLA GHUMAN 4 POINTS

8TH RHIANNON ROBINSON 4 POINTS

11TH CRAIG EASTWOOD 1 POINT

11TH MICHAEL BOLAND 1 POINT

11TH DAVID KHAYAT 1 POINT

Luke takes pole position, new entry Ryan takes 3rd place, while Chris leap frogs brother Paul who must be gutted after heading the 11 man group stage. 2 more chances to make the ATP finals on March 2nd.

So well done Ryan and Luke, 4 weeks to go for WIMBLEDON on JANUARY 12TH 1PM….. ENTER NOW!!!

Tim Boland found success at his 4th Grand Slam attempt with a boot-iful performance of net attacking to lead the way in the ATP rankings table with 3 slams left this Winter.

A Fantastic afternoons tennis was had this past Sunday in a rare competitive singles tournament in the First Open, of the Second ever Grand slam of Handicap singles Tennis at Walsall Tennis Club. Competitors are invited to play in 4 Grand Slam events fighting for ranking points to be tallied up at the end to find the top 8 totals. They will then go on to compete for £60 cash prize and Grand slam champion title at the ATP finals in March.

Eight Men and just one lady (defending champ) fought out this years Australian Open, each benefiting or being hampered by a handicap (according to their ability/experience) in each of the 8 round robin tie breaks they played, knowing the top 8 would advance to a straight knock out draw to fight for the big ranking points! Here’s what happened in the group stage and the handicaps they played off in the race to 7 points. When BOTH players had plus OR minus handicaps, starting scores were adapted so at least one player started on zero.

GRAYSON MARLOW +1 WON 2/8 40 POINTS 8TH

PAUL MAGUIRE -3 WON 6/8 50 POINTS 2ND as lost to Dudley

CHRIS MAGUIRE +1 WON 4/8 38POINTS 6TH

TIM BOLAND -1 WON 5/8 49 POINTS 3RD as more points than Luke and Jack

DUDLEY WRIGHT -3 WON 6/8 50 POINTS 1ST as beat Paul

DAVID KHAYAT +3 WON 0/8 33 POINTS 9TH

RHIANNON ROBINSON +2 WON 3/8 42 POINTS 7TH

LUKE GWALCHMAI +1 WON 5/8 47 POINTS 4TH as more points than Jack

JACK EVANS O WON 5/8 43 POINTS 5TH as less points than Luke

Handicaps proved very good with everyone losing at least 2 games each, inexperienced David came within 1 point of victory 3 times but may benefit from an extra point next time, we also saw very competitive debuts by Grayson and Jack. Just 1 Win separated the top 5 players providing one of the tightest groups ever, with last years points winner Dudley pipping it from ATP Finals runner up Paul in 2nd place.

These results meant that the top 8 qualified for the knock out tournament, however these positions above would determine where losing quarter finalists and semi finalists would finish in relation to fellow losers. Knockout matches would be same handicaps and best of 3, first to 7 point tie breaks with handicaps being used in every set.

Grayson put up a great fight, Luke had a voodoo over Jack beating him in 3 straight sets after Jack had won 5 consecutive group games, Chris gets best ever GS finish in 6th and last year’s champion fell to 2nd seed Paul, Meaning all top 4 advanced to the Semi’s without dropping a set, quite unusual, so onto the semi’s.

Luke’s retrieving and running lived up to his nickname ‘the wall’ as Dudley couldn’t find enough answers, Tim dominated Paul by dictating all rallies by invading net and forcing errors or hitting volley winners, so top 2 crash in semi’s a repeat result in last years Australian Open for Paul and Dudley.

Retired players stayed in the cool conditions to watch a new champion be crowned, in what would be 5 different winners in 5 grand slams proving how balanced the handicapping has made these tournament results.

FINAL

4TH LUKE v 3RD TIM TIM WINS 7-4 7-4 Tiger Tim’s level just didn’t drop and Mr consistent takes his 1st title, proving one match too far for the young pretender Luke who has to be delighted with 2nd in a strong line up.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN RUNNER UP…. LUKE GWALCHMAI gains 13 Ranking Points and 1/2 Price Entry into the FRENCH OPEN AND……

2013 AUSTRALIAN OPEN WINNER … TIM BOLAND gains 16 Ranking Points and Free wildcard into the FRENCH OPEN.

All competitors had a great time and the handicaps are there to give every possibility for close games and unpredictable results, but they can’t account for players being in top form or being totally out of sorts, or how players can react to coping with the handicaps given in pressure situations.

Remember, you can still easily qualify for the ATP finals even if you didn’t enter the Australian Open.

FRENCH OPEN 1PM Sunday December 8th

WIMBLEDON 1PM Sunday January 12th

US OPEN 1PM Sunday February 9th

ATP FINALS top 8 only Sunday March 2nd 1PM

Already entered for FRENCH OPEN are Tim Boland and Michael Boland so a maximum of 10 places remaining, be quick to enter!!

So here is the current ATP RANKINGS

1ST TIM BOLAND 16 POINTS

2ND LUKE GWALCHMAI 13 POINTS

3RD DUDLEY WRIGHT 10 POINTS

4TH PAUL MAGUIRE 7 POINTS

5TH JACK EVANS 5 POINTS

6TH CHRIS MAGUIRE 4 POINTS

7TH RHIANNON ROBINSON 3 POINTS

8TH GRAYSON MARLOW 2 POINTS

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9TH DAVID KHAYAT 1 POINT

So well done Tim, 1o days to go for FRENCH OPEN on DECEMBER 8TH 1PM….. ENTER NOW!!!